Fluoroscopic apparatus.



H. 0. SNOOK & E. W. KELLY.

FLUOROSGOPIG APPARATUS.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

INVENTORS A TTORNE Y APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26, 1911.

H. G. SNOOK & E. W. KELLY.

FLUOROSCOPIG APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26, 1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

Z4 M; INVVENTORS 510 ATTORNEY H. C. SNOOK & E. W. KELLY.

FLUOROSGOPIC APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DBO. 26, 1911. 1,1 17,266, Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

6 SHEBTS-SHEET 4.

IN VE N TORS A TTORNE Y H. O. SNOOK & B.*W. KELLY.

FLUOROSGOPIG APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26, 1911.

Patented NOV. 17, 1914.

'5 SHEETS-SHEBT 5.

71 W g, as

WITNESSES gwzmbw UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE.

HOMER CLYDE SNOOK AND EDWIN W. KELLY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA,

ASSIGNORS TO ROENTGEN MANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENN-SYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

FLUOROSCOPIC APPARATUS.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, HOMER CLYDE SN-00K andEDWIN W. KELLY, citizens of the United States, residing at Philadelphia,in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have inventednew and useful Improvements in Fluoroscopic Apparatus, of which thefollowing is a specification.

Our invention relates to apparatus for the rapid, accurate, safe andconvenient examination or radiography of patients'or objects underX-rays.

One of the principal features of our invention is the provision of meansfor shielding the operator or physician from X-rays emanating directlyfrom the source, as well as from the secondary, tertiary, etc., sources.Many objects subjected to direct X-rays become sources of secondary raysprojected in directions different from those taken by the direct rays.Tertiary. rays again emanate from objects in the path of the secondaryrays. From this state of facts it follows that a physician or operator,though shielded from the direct X-rays may be subjected to secondary andtertiary rays coming from directions other than those taken by thedirect X-rays, and, as stated, our invention resides in means forprotecting an operator or physician as completely as possible.

Another principal feature of our invention resides in means for causingthe source of X-rays, as the X-ray tube, to follow the movementsimparted by the operator to the fluorescent screen, photographic plate,or other object upon which he desires the X- rays to impinge.

Another principal feature of our invention resides in the operatingmechanism for the diaphragm associated with the X-ray.

' tube; and resides further in means for antomatically changing theextent of opening of the diaphragm in response to certain movements ofthe fluorescent screen, photographic plate, or other means upon whichthe X-rays are to impinge. I

Our invention resides in the features above referred to and to othernovel feaw tures of construction and operation hereinafter described andclaimed.

For an illustration of one of the forms Specification of Letters'Patent.

Application flied December 26, 1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914. Serial No. 667,691.

our invention may take,'reference is to be had to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

Figure-1 is a side elevational view of apparatus embodying ourinvention. Fig. 2 is a vertical elevational view, partly in section,looking from within the frame toward the front thereof. Fig. 3 is a rearelevational view of apparatus embodying our invention, a part beingshown in section. Fig. 4 is a top plan view, some parts in horizontalsection, on reduced scale, of the frame and some cooperating parts. Fig.5 is an elevational view of the tube carrier apparatus, diaphragms,frame toward the rear thereof. Fig. 6 is a side elevational view, partsshown in section, of the double quadrilateral movement. Fig. 7 is afragmentary front elevational view of a part of the double quadrilateralmovement. Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the parts shown in Fig. 7some parts in vertical section. Fig. 9 is a rear elevational view of thequadrilateral movements with their connections to the X-ray tubecarrying'apparatus and to the diaphragms. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary sideelevational view of part of the control apparatus. Fig. 1]. is avertical sectional view through the screen and plate holder frame. Fig.12 is a similar sectional view to that of Fig. 11. some parts omitted.but showing a plate holder in position. Fig. 13 is a fragmentary topplan view, part 1n section, showing mode of application of the curtain.Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the same. Fig. 15 isafragmentaryside elevation of the tube carrying frame with alongitudinal sectional view, parts in elevation. of the motive devicefor the tube. Fig. 16 is an end elevational view of part of the motivedevice shown in Fig. 15, with part of the frame being shown in crosssection. Fig. 1.7 is a cross sectional view, some parts in ele ation, ofpart of the apparatus shown in Fig. 15, illustrating means for clampingthe tube carrying member in desired relation with respect to the movablemember of the motive device.

Referring'to the drawings, the base t mbers or members 1 rest upon anysuitable support as, for example, a floor 2. Upon- -.these membersl; isdisposed a platform 3 upon which a patient may stand or sit upon asuitable stool during his observation by the operator, who stan s infront of the apparatus, that is, to the left of the apparatus as shownin Fig. 1. Extending vertically from the platform 1 are the risers orupright timbers 4, four in number. To give stability to the frame andattached parts the floor 3 and members 1 extend to the rear ofthe rearposts or uprights 4, as shown in Fig. 1, and braces 5 are attached tothe rear uprights 4 and to the platform 3. Across the front at thebottom extends the member 6 for strengthening purposes. To the tops ofthe posts 4 are secured the horizontal members 7. The parts thus fardescribed may be of wood and preferably of some insulating material,though not necessarily so.

In slots or channels 8 extending longitudinally of the two front posts 4engage rollers 8 upon the frame 9. This frame 9 is supported by chainsor cords 10 attached to and passing upwardly over the pulleys orsprocket wheels 11, and downwardly to the counterweights 12, to whichthey are attached, and which balance the frame 9 and attached parts, sothat it will remain in any position to which it'is vertically adjusted.These pulleys or sprocket wheels 11 are secured upon the horizontalshaft 13 upon; which there is also secured a third pulley or sprocketwheel 14 over which passes the cord or chain 15 passing to the rear ofthe frame where it passes over a sprocket wheel or pulley 16, pivotedloosely upon the hori- .zontal shaft17 mounted in the bearings 18carried by the frame. Secured upon the shaft 17 are the sprocketwheels'or pulleys 19 over which pass the chains or cords 20 each securedat its one end to a balance or counterweight 21 and at its other end at22 to the frame 23 which carries the X-ray tube, diaphragms, andassociated parts. This frame 23 has guide rollers 24 engaging invertical channels or grooves 25 in the rear posts or standards 4.Laterally bear-. ing rollers as 26 may also be provided. The weights 21are of such size as to balance the frame 23 and attached parts, so thatthe latter will remain stationary in any position to which it isvertically adjusted. As before stated, the sprocket wheel or pulley 16is loose upon the shaft 17. This sprocket wheel 16, however, has one ormore projections 27, see Fig. 1, adapted to engage a pin 28, see Fig. 3,secured upon the shaft 17 such engagement taking place after a certainfree movement of the sprocket wheel 16 with respect to the shaft 17, fora purpose hereinafter described.

The rollers 29 roll upon the upper and lower members of the frame 23,which may be made of metal tubing. These rollers 29 carrythe member 30which carries the X-ray tube and the diaphragm apparatus. The

- X-ray tube is supported by the engagement of-its stems by clamps, notshown, secured upon the member 30. The X-ray tube 31 is inclosed in thelead glass or other X-ray absorptive shield 36 which is also secured tothe'member 30. This mode of supporting an X-ray tube and shield isillustrated in copending application Serial No. 574,045, filed by one ofus on July 27, 1910. These details of'construction are here omitted forthe sake of clearness.

, Extending rearwardly from the tops of the two rear posts 4 is thebracket 37 upon which are disposed the three reels 38, 3!) andin-electrical communication respectively with the terminals 41, 42, and43. Electrically connected to these reels 38, 39 and 40 are the flexibleelectrical conductors 44, and '46 connected, respectively, was

shown in Figs. 1 and 4, with the anode, vacuum regulator, and cathode ofthe X-ray tube-31. .Upon the bracket 37 are the main binding posts orterminals 47 and 48 with which connect respectively the conductors 49and 50 extending to the source of high potential current which operatesthe X-ray tube. Pivoted to each terminal 47 and 48 varethe switch arms51 and 52 respectively, which rest normally upon the terminals 41 and43, respectively. Upon the pivots of the switch arms 51 and 52 arepulleys or drums 53 to which are attached cords 54 ex- At the top of theframe and near the rear there is a mirror 56 pivoted at 57 inthestandards 58, whereby the operator standing in front of the apparatusmay see the X-ray tube 31 and note whether current therethrough is inthe proper direction, the condition of the vacuum in the tube by thenature of the glow, etc. On the side of the frame 9 toward the patientthere is a sheet of aluminum 60. occupying the substantially middlethird of the frame 9. In the upper and lower sides of the frame 9 arechannel members 61 in which may slide transversely of the frame, plateholders as 62, see Fig. 12. Normally the plate holders are in the endthirds of the frame 9 inclosed between "to X-rays, whereby'when. theplates'are in these end thirds they are completely protected from theX-rays. p to position in the middle third back of the aluminum-plate 60they are in position to be affected by the X-rays. At the front side ofthe middle third of the frame 9 is supported the fluorescent screencomprised of the transparent protective coating 64 behind which is thefluorescent material 65 spread in'a sheet upon the plate of lead glass66 or other material transparent to ordinary light butabsorptive ofX-rays. These parts, 64,-

65 and 66 are held in the screen frame 67 whose lower side rests in thebracket 68 carried by the frame 9 and whose upper edge is adapted to beengaged and held by the spring 69 carried by the extension 70 upon theframe 9. By means of springs 71 on the frame 67 a plate of glass 72 orother suitable material may be placed against the lead glass 66, so thatan operator may trace upon the glass or member 72 an outline of anyfigure or organ appearing upon the fluorescent screen.

Depending from thelower side of the frame 9 is a shield 73 of lead orother material absorptive of X-rays. And a similar. shield 74 extendsabove the upper edge of the frame 9 and is pivoted at 75 in brackets 76carried by the frame 9. By means of these shields 73 and 74 the operatoris protected from all radiation directed from the X-ray tube for anydiaphragm openings and positions of the X-ray tube. Secured to the frontmember .7 is a bracket 77 forming a bearing for the hollow shaft or tube78 within which is movable the shaft 79. At the front of the apparatusthere is secured to the shaft 78 the link or arm 80 pivoted at 81 to thelink or arm 82 which is, in turn, pivoted at 83 to the link or arm 84which latter is pivoted at 85 to the link or arm 86 secured to the shaft7 9. To the pivot pin 83 there may be secured an operators handle orgrip 87. At the rear of the frame and secured to the rear member 7 is abracket 7 7 The shafts 78 and 79 extend rearwardly and are similarlysupported at the rear by the bracket 77*. The shafts 78 and 79 are outof the way of and above the patient who -may stand upon the platform 3.At the rear end of the shaft 78 there is secured an arm or link 80pivoted at 81 to the arm or link 82- pivoted at 83* to the arm or link84 which latter is pivoted at 85 to the arm or link 86 which is securedto the shaft 79.

Connected to the pivot pin 83 is the bar or strap 88 secured to themember 30 which carries the X-ray tube and its diaphragms. The operatorby moving the handle 87, can through these quadrilateral movements movethe X-ray tube to any desirable position, within the limits of theapparatus, to bring the focus spot of the X-ray tube oppo- But whenmoved fluorescent screen or photographic plate.

,Whatever movement is given to the handle 87 is partaken of b the pivot83* at the rear, and from this pivot a lateral movement equivalent tothe lateral component of the movement of the handle 87 is communicatedin corresponding lateral movement of the member 30 upon the frame 23;and the ve rtical component of the movement of the handle 87 iscommunicated by similar vertical movement of the pivot 83 to the entireframe 23 which moves upwardly and downwardly just as far as the handle87. It follows that the X-ray tube followsin movement exactly themovement of the handle 87. By this construction, the operator by movinghis handle 87 can direct the X- rays through any suitable portion of thepatient on to the fluorescent screen 65, which I he is observing.

' shield 74: or below the shield 73, the pin 28 upon the shaft 17 comesinto engagement with one or the other of lugs or pins '27 upon thesprocket wheel 16 to correspondingly elevate'or lower the frame 23carrying the X-ray tube. direct from the focus spoton the target oranode of the X-ray tube can never pass above or below the screen or theshields 74 and 7 3, so that the operator is automatically protected frommoving the frame 9 and attached parts to any such position as wouldplace him in the path of such direct'X-rays, it being well understoodthat direct X-rays are particularly harmful to an operator particularlyif he is repeatedly subjected to them.

Upon the member 30, which also carries the X-ray tube, are disposedvertically and horizontally movable diaphragm members. As shown in Figs.3 and 5, the diaphragm opening 89 is rectangular, so that the beam ofX-rays passing through the same is in the nature of a rectangularpyramid. The

.' diaphragm, it is to be understood, intervenes between the X-ray tubeand the patient and the frame 9 and attac ed parts. I

The vertically movable diaphragm com-- prises the two plates 90 and 90Fig. 3, of

By this construction X-rays links 91 and 91 are pivoted at their upperends to the link 92 pivoted at 93 to a bracket fixed upon the member 30.At the lower ends the links 91 and 91 are pivoted to the link 92 pivotedat 93 to a similar bracket secured on the member 30. It follows that anyrocking motion given to any of these links will cause the diaphragmmembers 90 and 90 to move in a vertical direction either toward eachother or away from each other. Such motion may be communicated throughthe member 94, secured to the link 91. The member 91 is here shown as aflexible Bowden antinous cable which extends around two sides of therear quadrilateral move,- ment, thence to the front quadrilateralmovement and along two sides thereof and terminates in the pressurehandle 94. When the operator operates this handle 94* a verticalmovement will be given to the link 91 causing the approach or departureof the diaphragm members 90 and 90 to or from each other. In Fig. 5 thelaterally moving diaphragm members .95 and 95 are shown securedrespectively to the links 96 and 96. The links 96 and 96 arepivoted attheir right hand ends to the link 97 pivoted at 98 to a bracket securedupon the member 30. At their left ends the links 96 and 96* are pivotedto the link 97 pivoted at 98 to a s milar bracket secured upon themember 30. Any pivoted movement communicated to these four links willcause a lateral movement of the diaphragm members 95 and 95 to causethem to approach each other or to recede from each other. Such movementmay be given by attaching a. member 99 to the link 96. such member 99being the movable core of the antinous member 94 heretofore described.This member 99 also extends to the front of the apparatus and term natesin the operato s hand e 99*. Figs. 1 and 2. By actuating this h'andle99the diaphragm members 95 and- 95 may be caused to move horizontally toapproach each other or to recede from each other. Thus. the operatorfrom the front of the apparatus may change the, diaphragm open ng atwill. from a complete closure to a predetermined maximum o ening. i Itwill be understood from the disclosure q of the links for mov ng the d ahragm members. thatthev const tute parallelogram mot ons. and that bothdiaphragm members of apai r move at the same rates and through the samedistances.

If the operator: should move the X-ray tube. as bv the h nd e 87. tosuch a d stance tothe r ght or left transverselv of the frame as toallow direct X-ravs to pass the e tical. edges of the lead sh elds 73.66 and 74- and of other parts attached o the frame 9. the passage ofsuch direct X-ravs is preven ed bv means which autom t callv close the da- .6 phragm Opening, particula l by mowing by the same referencecharacters.

front edge of the ring 116.

106 and 107 engaged respectively by the stops 108 and 109 on the member110 secured to an extension of the link 96. Fig. 5. It is seen'that anypivotal movement of the link 104 upon its pivot 105 will actuate eitherstop 108 or stop 109 to move it laterally with resultant approach ofdiaphragm members and 95 toward each other. And it is seen that anylateral movement of the member 30, carrying the X-ray tube, will cause atransverse movement of the pivot 105 with a resultant rocking of thelever 104 and, therefore, a resultant movement of the diaphragm members95 and 95. The parts are so proportioned that these members 95 and 95approach each other at such rate that any rays escaping from the tubetarget past the inside vertical edges of the members 95 and 95 willnever strike the frame 9 or. attached parts outside of a protected area.

The diaphragm members may be moved b means other than the members 94 and99, as. for example. by means illustrated in Figs. 5 to 9 inclusive.Here an extra pair of quadrilateral movements is provided for thepurpose. The quadrilateral movement shown in Figs. 1. 2 and 3 is shownin Fig. 6 Within the shaft 79, (79 here being also a hollow shaft) isthe independently movable hollow shaft 111 within which in turn is theindependently movable shaft 112. At the front there is secured upon theshaft 111 the link 113 pivoted at 114 to the link 115 terminating .atits lower end in the ring 116 having a pivotal bearing on the ring 117towhich latter is secured the link 118 pivoted at 119 to the link 120which is in turn secured upon the shaft 112. As viewed in Figs. 7 and 8,the ring 117 bears upon the outer bearing surface 116 of the ring 116and the ring 117 is held in this bearing position by the ring plate 116secured upon the The handle 87 of the first quadrilateral movementextends through the free opening in the rings 116 and 117. At the rearend of the shaft 111 is secured the link 113 pivoted at 114 to the link115 pivoted at 121 -to the link 118 in turn pivoted at 119 to the linkThis is accomplished-by- 120 which is secured upon the shaft 112. It

rear quadrilaterals are shown associated with the diaphragm apparatus.Pivoted on the pivot 121 is a link 122 pivoted at 123 to a member rigidwith the extension'of the link 91 for giving vertical movement to "thediaphragm members 90 and 90. Pivoted on pivot 121 there is also a link124 pivoted at 125 to an extension of the link 96 which imparts, aspreviously described in connection 'with Fig. 5, a horizontal ortransverse movement-to the diaphragm members 95 and 95*. From thisconstruction it follows that when the operator moves the rings 116 and117 with respect to the handle 87 the diaphragm members are opened orclosed by the second quadrilateral movement. By having the handle 87extend through the opening in the rings 116, 117, the amount of movementof the second quadrilateral system is limited and correspondingly theamount of movement of the diaphragm members is limited. Thus, when thehandle 87 is moved to any given position the X-ray tube target is movedto corresponding position, as hereinbefore described. Then, by shiftingthe rings. 116 and 117 to suitable position a desired extent ofdiaphragm opening may be obtained, the diaphragms of course moving withthe X-ray tube as previously described. In Fig. 9 the diaphragm is shownat full opening. 1f, for example, the rings 116 and 117 should beshifted so that they occupy with respect to the handle 87 the positionindicated by the dotted handle 87 in Fig. 7, the diaphragms will beentirely closed. Since the rings have free movement in any direction,within the limit of their opening, the shape of the diaphragm openingmay be changedfrom square, as shown in Fig. 9, to a rectangle'whose endsand sides may be varied in proportion.

In order that the diaphragm leaves shall not move, butshall maintain thesame diaphragm opening when the handle 87 is moved, one or more pivotsof the levers moving the diaphragm leaves is or are given enoughfriction so that the movement of the handle 87 will be transmittedthrough one quadrilateral movement to the'bar or plate 88, and thence tothe plate 30, to move the same, and this movement, due to the excess offriction in the diaphragm levers over the v friction of the secondquadrilateral :movement, will cause the second quadrilateral movement tomove without movement of the diaphragm leaves, thus keeping the rings116 and 117 in the same relative position to the handle 87. This will beunderstood from the fact that the force exerted upon the handle 87 istransmitted through the first quadrilateral movement, thence through thediaphragm operating levers through the second quadrilateral movementback to the front of the frame to the rings 116 and 117. If there werenot this excess of friction in the levers of the diaphragm movement, amovement of the handle 87 causing a movement of the plate 30 wouldcause, due to the friction in the second quadrilateral movementterminating in the rings 116, 117, a movement of the rods 122 and 124which would, of course, cause a change inthe opening of the diaphragm;but the friction in the diaphragm levers being made sufliciently large,this movement will not take place and the moveor any object upon whichthe direct X-rays impinge) is undesirable, we have provided furthermeans for giving the operator a maximum of protection even against thesecondary radiations. -To this end We provide curtains of rubber, orother material opaque to the secondary radiations. As

viewed in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, such a curtain is showirat 126,extendingacross the top of the frame upon supports 127 carried by thatframe. The curtain 126 may have the vertically hanging flaps 128extending downwardly a suitable distance on all sides of the frame;

As shown in Fig. 4, similar rubber or other curtains 129 extendpartially around the sides of the frame and across the rear of the sameback of the X-ray tube and extend from the floor to a height at least ashigh as the lower edges of the flaps 128. Additional side curtains 130are provided which are secured at the front corners of the frame uponvertical rods 131; From these rods the same curtain 130 or othercurtains 132 folded as shown in Fig. 4 and Figs. 13 and 14 to beflexible and extensible,

terminate on vertical rods 133 located apios U-shaped members 134 remainin the relative position shown in Fig. 13 during all such movements. Themembers 134 so embracing the rod 133 and curtain 132 prevent any strayradiations passing out from between the end of the curtain 132 and theframe 9. As seen in Figs. 1 and 4, there is 'a further rubber curtain135 upon spring roller 136 pivoted at 137 to the top of the frame. Thisspring roller tends to roll the ciutain upwardly. The lower edge of thecurtain 135 hangs down overlapping the shield 74. A further curtain 138is attached at its upper edge to the lower side of the frame 9 andextends down to the spring winding roller 139 pivoted at the lower partstanding within the frame by pushing such flexible folds against thepatient and grasping the patient. The operator may suitably position thepatient without displacing the curtains. And this he may do by reachingup under the curtain 135 and over the top edge of the shield 74.

When it is desired to make stereoscopic negatives, the patient isexplored by moving 1 the frame 9 and the handle 87 until the desiredorgan is projected upon the fluorescent screen. Then, the fluorescentscreen and attached parts are moved outwardly toward the front on thebrackets 68 and a plate holder moved from one of the plate spaces, forexample, the one at the right,

Fig. 2, along the'channels 61 into the position previously occupied bythe screen. An exposure is then made. Then the plate holder is returnedto its opaque compartment at the right and the plate holder containingthe fresh plate in the plate space 63 at the left is moved intoposition. The X- ray tube having been shifted a space of about two andone-half inches, in the meantime, the second exposure is made by againenergizing the tube.

The motive device for the X-ray tube is illustrated in Figs. 15, 16 and17.

Upon the frame 23 is secured a tube 142, by brackets 143. One end of thetube, the left shown in Fig. 15, is closed by part of the bracket 143and has a small perforation a for allowing slow egress of air forretardation purposes. Extending through the right hand end of the tube142, Fig. 15, is a rod 144 carrying on its inner end within the tube apiston or plunger 145 fitting snugly within the tube. A spring 146,shown under compression in Fig. 15, is adapted to move the plunger androd toward the left. The rod 144 has a notch 147, see Fig. 16, in whichis adapted to engage the latch 149 pivoted at 148 to the bracket 143.With the latch so in engagement in the notch, the spring 146 is heldunder compression. When the string 150, attached to the latch 149, ispulled from the front end of the frame near the operator, the latch.means. And for is raised out of the notch and the rod may then passfreely through the. opening d in the latch 149 and move toward the left,Fig. 15, under the influence of the spring 146. The extent of thismovement may be made anything desired, but for stereoscopic purposes ispreferably two andone-half inches, the average distance between thehuman eyes.

Engaging the rod 144 is a clamp comprising the members 151 and 152, seeFigs. 15 and 17. The member 152 is secured to the plate 30 whichcariesthe X-ray tube and the diaphragms. The clampmember 151 alsoembraces the rod 144 and has freedom of movement upon the screw 153passing through the member 151 and engaging in the member 152. A Bowdencable is secured by itsjacket 154 to the bracket or post 155 upon theclamp member 152. This Bowden cable having the core wire 154 extends tothe front of the frame within access by the operator. The operator inmanipulating the handle 154 pivoted on the bar 82, in moving the same ina clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, causes a pull upon the corewire 154 which at its other end is attached to the clamp member 151, andthis pull, therefore, clamps the clamping member to the rod 144. Theparts are held in clamped position by the handle 154 passing what may becalled a dead-center position, and coming to rest against the stop a,Fig. 2. The plate 30 and attached parts, including the X-ray tube anddiaphragms, is now clamped to the rod 144. The first exposure is nowmade. String 150 is then pulled unlatching the rod 144 and thespring 146then moves the X-ray tube'and associated parts to new position and thesecond exposure is made. 154 to the position shown in Fig. 2, the plate30 and attached from the rod 144. By such construction the plate 30 andparts carried thereby may be caused to move from any position toanother, and so may be positioned at will with respect to a fluoroscopeor plate holder occupying any position on frame 9. The spring 146 may beset to position shown in Fig. 15 by moving the lever 154 ing position,and then moving the frame 9 in proper direction, such movement beingtransmitted to the member 30 and through the clamp to the rod 144, thuscompressing the spring which is then latched by the action of the'spring149, Fig. 16, moving the latch 149 into the notch 147.

For the sake of brevity, we shall refer in the claims to the frame 9, orits equivalent, as an observation frame whether it be used with afluorescent screen, a ph0tographic plate, or any other observation likereasons, we shall refer to the member 30 as the tube carrier or Byreturning the handle to clampparts are unclamped diaphragm carrier andshall refer to the frame 28, or its equivalent, as a tube frame.

While we have herein referred to the quadrilateral movements, here shownas composed of four pivoted levers or bars, it is to be understood thatwe do not Wish to 4 limit ourselves by the term quadrilateral to anarrangement employing four side levers or members, but include in suchterm any operative arrangement which may include any other number oflevers or bars.

It is to be understood that we no not wish to be limited by the termsvertical and horizontal as employed in the appended claims, where theyare used simply as a convenient method of indicating relativedirections.

What we claim is:

1. In apparatus of the character described, 'a'main frame within whichan object to be observed may be placed, of an observation frame on saidmain frame at the front thereof, an X-ray tube carried by said mainframe at the rear thereof, means shielding the operator in front of saidobservation frame from direct rays from said X-ray tube, and meansabsorptive of rays of lesser degree including said main frame and theobject under observation.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a main frame within which anobject to be observed may be placed, an observation frame on said mainframe at the front thereof, an X-ray tube on said main frame at the rearthereof, means carried by said observation frame absorptive of directrays from said X-ray tube of shielding an operator therefrom in front ofsaid observation frame, and material absorptive of X-rays of lesserdegree inclosing said frame and the object under observation.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a man frame, an observationframe and an X-ray tube carried thereby, means for moving saidobservation frame and X-ray tube on said main frame, means absorptive ofdirect rays from said X-ray tube carried by said observation frame, adiaphragm for said X-ray tube, and means for automatically varying theopening of said diaphragm in response to relative movements of saidobservation frame and said X-ray tube for restricting the direct raysfrom said X-ray tube within the area of said material absorptive ofdirect rays carried by said observation frame.

4.. In apparatus of the character described, an observation frame, meanscarried thereby for shielding an operator from primary or direct X-rays,means'absorptive of secondary and tertiary X-rays attached to said frameand movable therewith, and means for taking up and paying out saidabsorptive means.

5. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of an observation frame movable thereon, a source of X-rays, amember absorptive of direct X-rays carried by'said observation frame, acurtain of material absorptive of secondary and tertiary rays secured atits one edge to said main frame, a rod supported by said main frame andreceiving the other edge of said curtain, said rod disscribed, anobservation frame, a tube frame,\

an X-ray tube supported by the latter, a diaphragm associated with saidX-ray tube, and a shield absorptive of direct rays supported to one sideof said observation frame and of such extent that for a relative move--ment of said observation frame with respect to said X-ray tube saiddiaphragm will prevent direct rays passing beyond said shield.

7.. In apparatus of the character described,-an observation frame, atube frame, an X-ray tube supported by the latter, a diaphragmassociated with said X-ray tube, a shield absorptive of direct rayssupported to one side .of said observation frame and of such extent thatfor a relative movement of said observation frame with respect to saidX-ray tube said diaphragm' will pre- -vent direct rays passing beyondsaid shield, and a lost motion device between said observation and tubeframes, whereby said tube frame moves with said observation frame aftersuch free relative movement be tween said observation and tube frames-aswould allow direct rays to pass through said diaphragm and past saidshield.

8. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of a tube frame movable thereon, a tube carrier supported by andmovable with respect to said tube frame, and means attached to said tubecarrier actuated by the operator for transmitting to said tube carrierand said tube frame a movement corresponding with the movement of saidoperator actuated means.

9. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of a tube frame movable thereon, a tube carrier supported by andmovable'with respect to said tube frame, and a quadrilateral movementattached to said tube carrier, whereby any movement given to saidquadrilateral movement by the operator is similarly partaken of by saidX-ray tube.

10. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of a tube frame movable thereon, a tube carrier supported by andmovable with respect to said tube frame, and means attached to said tubecarrier actuated by the operator for transmitting to said tube carrier amovement with respect to said tube frame and to said tube frame? amovement at right angles to the movement of said tube carrier.

11. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of a tube frame movable thereon, a tube carrier supported by andmovable with respect to said tube frame, and means actuated by theoperator for transmitting to said tube carrier and said tube framemovements corresponding with components of the movement of said operatoractuated means at right angles with. each-other. 12. In apparatus of thecharacter described, the combination with an X-ray tube, of a diaphragmcomprising diaphragm leaves movable in directions at an angle withrespect to each other, parallel link motions for moving said diaphragmleaves, and means for communicating movement to said link motions.

13. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with anX-ray tube, of'a'dia hragm comprising diaphragm leaves movab e indirections at an angle with respect to each other, parallel link motionsfor moving said diaphragm leaves; and meansfor. giving to said linkmotion's different degrees of movement for changing the shape ofthe-diaphragm opening.

14. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with anX-ray tube, ofa: diaphragm movable therewith, means for moving saidX-ray tube and diaphragm together, and means cooperating with said meansand having limited movement with respect thereto for adjusting theopening of saiddiaphragm.

15. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with anX-ray tube, of a diaphragm movable therewith, means for moving said Xray tube and diaphragm together, and means cooperating with said meansand having limited movement with respect thereto for changing the shape'of the opening of said diaphragm.

16. In apparatus of, the character described, an X-ray tube, a diaphragmmovable therewith, a quadrilateral movement for communicating motion tosaid X-ray tube, and a second quadrilateral movementfor adjusting theopening of said diaphragm.

17. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with anX-ray tube, a diaphragm movable therewith, means for causing said X-raytube to follow the movement of means actuated by the operator, and meansfor automatically reducing the open ing of said diaphragm in response tocer- --,a tube carrier movable thereon,

said tube, phragm, and a lost motion connection be-.

' mamas tain degrees of movement of said X-ray a diaphragm movabletherewith, means for causing said X-ray tube to follow the movement ofmeans actuated by the operator, and

means for automatically proportionally re-- ducing the opening of saiddiaphragm in a given direction in response to movement of said X-raytube in the same direction.

19. In apparatus of the character described, a tube support, a tubecarrier, an X-ray tube secured thereto, a motive device for moving saidtube carrier with respect to said support,'means for clamping said tubecarrier to different positions with respect to the movable member ofsaid motive device, and means for actuating said clamp from a distance.

20. In apparatus of the character 'described, the combination with atube frame, a tube carrier movable thereon, an X-ray tube supported bysaid tube carrier,

carrier for controlling the opening of said diaphragm. 1

21. In apparatus of the character dea die.- phragm carried by said tubecarrier, and links pivoted to said frame and to said tubescribed, thecombination with a tube frame,

an X-ray tube supported by said tube carrier, a diaphragm carried bysaid tube carrier, and

links pivoted to said frame and to said tube carrier for automaticallyproportionally reducing the diaphragm openlng in a given direction uponmovement of said tube carrier in said direction.

22. The combination with an X-ray tube, of a screen, and a lost motionconnection between said tube and said screen, whereby said tube may moveindependently of said screen and thereafter with said screen.

"23. The combination with an X-ray tube, of a screen, a lost motionconnection between said tube and said screen, whereby said tube may moveindependently of said screen and, thereafter with said screen, and meansfor moving said tube independently of' said screen.

24. The combination with an X-ray tube, of a screen, a lost motionconnection between said tube and said screen, whereby said tube may moveindependently of said screen and thereafter with said screen, adiaphragm movable with said tube, and means at a distance from saiddiaphragm for adjusting the same.

25. The combination with an X-ray tube, of a diaphragm therefor, meansfor moving means for adjusting said diatween said tube moving means andsaid diaphragm ad ustmg means.

III

26. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of an observation frame and a tube frame movable thereon, a lostmotion connection between-said observation and tube frames, a tubecarrier movable on said tube frame, and means actuated by the operatorfor transmitting to said tube carrier and said tube frame movementscorresponding with the components at right angles with each other of themovement ofsaid operator actuated means. 7

27. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of an observation and a tube frame movable thereon, a lost motionconnection between said observation and tube frames, a tube carriermovable on saidtube frame, and means connected with said tube carrieradapted to be actuated by an operator for moving said tube carrier andsaid tube frame.

28. Inapparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of' an observation frame and a tube frame movable thereon, a lostmotion connection between said observation and tube frames, a tubecarrier movable on said tube frame, means actuated by the operatorfor-transmitting to said tube carrier and said tube frame movementscorresponding with the components at right angles with each other of themovement of said operator actuated means, an adjustable diaphragmcarried by said tube carrier, and means adjusting said diaphragm uponpre-determined movement of said tube carrier with respect to saidobservation frame.

29. In apparatus of the character described, a main frame, anobservation frame and a tube frame movable thereon, independentcounter-weights for said observation and tube frames, and means forcausing said observation and tube frames to move with each other afterpredetermined movement independently of each other.

30. In apparatus of the character 'described, the-combination with amain frame, of an observation frame and a tube frame carried thereby, atube carrier movable on.

said tube frame, a motive device carried by said tube frame, meansattached to said tube diaphragm comprising a plurality ofsets ofinterconnected diaphragm leaves movable in directions at an angle withrespect to each other, and members connected with said sets of leavesfor moving the same.

32. In apparatus for producing X-rays,

the combination with an X-ray tube, of a diaphragm comprising a plurahtyof sets of inter-connected diaphragm leaves movable in directions at anangle with respect to each other, and means for giving to said sets ofleaves different degrees of movement for changing the shape of thediaphragm opening.

33. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe,

of an observation frame on said main frame,

an X-ray tube carried by said main frame at a distance from saidobservation frame, 1 the space between said X-ray tube and said spacebetween said X-ray frame and said observation frame adapted to beoccupied by the object to be observed, means shielding the operator infront of said observation frame from direct rays of said X-ray tube, andmeans absorptive of rays of lesser degree carried by said main frame andinclosing the object under observation, whereby the space in front ofsaid observation frame occupied by the operator is shielded from,

said rays of lesser degree.

35. In apparatus of the character described, the combination with a mainframe, of an observation frame on said main frame, an X-ray tube carriedby said main frame at a distance from said observation frame, the spacebetween said X-ray frame and said observation frame adapted to beoccupied by the object to be observed, means shielding the operator infront of said observation frame 'from direct rays of said X-ray tube,and means shielding the space in front of said observation frameoccupied by the operator from rays of lesser degree.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto affixed our signatures at the cityof Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania, this 23rd day of December, 1911,in the presence of the two subscribing witnesses.

, HOMER CLYDE SNOOK. EDWIN W. KELLY.

Witnesses:

E. D. .MUENcH, ANNA E. STEINBOCK.

